Find the best sports bars in London to watch live sports
Find where to watch live sport in London with this concise sports bars guide. We cover central and west London spots that screen big games, from cosy pubs with craft pints to buzzy bars with multiple screens and rooftop terraces. Head out for football, rugby or international fixtures. Pick a bar with reliable screens and quick service for a relaxed night. Expect clear tips on peak times, booking, and seating for groups or solo visitors. Whether you are after the best sports bars in London for atmosphere, the top rated London sports pubs for matchday viewing, or practical advice on where to watch live sports London, this guide helps you choose, arrive early, and enjoy the game.
The Pembroke
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A lively local with a sunlit rooftop, big-screen sport and a friendly, unforced welcome.
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What to expect
Expect an unpretentious, energetic pub that feels like a proper local. The covered rooftop garden provides a leafy spot for alfresco drinks, while the interior offers sofas, a long bar and an upstairs big-screen for matches. Staff are consistently praised for being friendly and helpful, and the offering includes plant-based choices. Spaces suit groups or solo visitors, and the vibe shifts easily from easygoing afternoons to buzzy weekend evenings.
Plan your visit
Perfect for a pre- or post-theatre stop or an evening watching sport, The Pembroke sits a short walk from Earls Court and nearby theatres. Opt for the rooftop on breezy days or the cosy interior for a match, reserve for larger groups, and arrive with time to relax, the generous layout makes it easy to settle in.
The Scarsdale Tavern, Kensington
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Kensington favourite for cosy pints, floral frontage and genuine local charm.
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What to expect
Expect a traditional London pub atmosphere, cosy and chatty rather than spacious. Friendly, attentive staff tend the bar and keep the mood upbeat, while the menu focuses on hearty, familiar options to match a well-poured pint. Both the snug interior and the heated patio work well for small groups or intimate meet-ups. The venue’s compact size means tables can fill quickly at peak times, and occasional service hiccups are normally resolved courteously.
Plan your visit
Reserve ahead for weekend groups, since the tavern is small and popular. For a quieter experience arrive in a weekday afternoon or early evening. The pub is tucked off the main shopping strip, so it’s an easy stop after exploring the area. Indoor seating and a heated outdoor terrace make it comfortable throughout the year.
The Prince
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Good vibes, great company, and a sociable slice of West London life.
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What to expect
A buzzy, social spot with different dining counters under one roof, alongside a full bar and a variety of seating styles: leather booths, timber tables, and an airy indoor-outdoor section with overhead greenery. Service is friendly and efficient, food and drinks arrive together from multiple kitchens, and the mood moves from relaxed daytime diners to upbeat evening crowds with music and colourful lighting.
Plan your visit
Book ahead for larger groups to secure a preferred area, or drop in solo for a quick drink at the bar. Mix-and-match plates from the different kitchens to suit varied tastes, and mention any seating preferences on arrival. Perfect as an after-show stop or a meet-up point for friends, with roomy layouts that make socialising easy.
The Curtains Up
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A cheerful West London pub, where friendly faces and proper neighbourhood spirit meet.
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What to expect
Expect a genuine local-pub experience, with classic décor, approachable staff and a sociable crowd. Menus accommodate common dietary needs, while a rotating selection of cask and craft drinks keeps choices interesting. Regular community nights add buzz, yet there are quiet corners for conversation or small meetings. Friendly service and an unpretentious vibe make it an easy place to relax, linger and meet locals.
Plan your visit
Turn up for a relaxed catch-up or a sociable evening, allow time to soak up the atmosphere and chat with regulars. Reservations help for larger groups at busier times, and staff are happy to advise on dietary requirements. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant alternative on milder days, and the pub’s noticeboard is worth a glance for community happenings.
Famous Three Kings
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Every match, every cheer, Famous Three Kings brings the game to life.
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What to expect
Expect a buzzing sports-pub vibe, with multiple screens tuned to the biggest fixtures and a crowd that feeds the atmosphere. The interior balances traditional pub character with large viewing areas and a pool table, creating pockets for lively company or quieter corners. Staff are responsive and service is generally swift, though noise levels can rise during major matches. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the place is reliable for an engaging game-day experience.
Plan your visit
For big fixtures, arrive early or reserve a spot to secure a good view, especially when crowds gather. Ideal for groups, casual business catch-ups or solo watchers who enjoy a buzzy backdrop. Dress for a lively room and consider public transport or a short taxi ride to avoid parking hassles.
Devonshire Arms Kensington
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A cosy Kensington pub, warm welcomes and a lively neighbourhood atmosphere.
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What to expect
Expect a classic pub setting with wood accents and comfortable seating, paired with attentive service from a team who know the drinks and regulars by name. The mood ranges from mellow afternoons to buzzy evenings, with outdoor tables available on fine days. Good for social dining or quieter corners for a conversation, and welcoming to a mix of locals and visitors.
Plan your visit
Stroll through Kensington before dropping in for a relaxed drink or meal. Choose a table outside when the weather allows, or find a cosy spot by the bar for a quieter experience. Mondays to Thursdays tend to be calmer, so those seeking a gentler pace should aim for midweek. For larger groups, call ahead to check availability.
Hollywood Arms
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Where celebrations become unforgettable and every guest feels at home.
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What to expect
A friendly, sociable spot with stylish interiors and a welcoming team, suited to gatherings large and small. The bar area has an elegant feel, while cosy booths and chandelier-lit rooms create a comfortable backdrop for conversation. Live music or a buzzy terrace will lift the mood on busy nights, while quieter daytime visits offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Service is generally warm and professional, though it can slow a little during peak moments, so allow extra time when hosting a large group.
Plan your visit
Book ahead for groups or weekend evenings, and consider arriving a little earlier to secure terrace seating in fine weather. Ideal for after-ceremony celebrations, informal business drinks or a catch-up with friends. Allow extra time during busy service periods, and check the venue’s website or social feed for the latest photos and menu inspiration.
Earls Court Tavern
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Cosy corner pub charm, friendly bartenders and a lively London crowd.
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What to expect
Expect a traditional pub setting with comfortable seating, wooden details and a genuine neighbourhood feel. The bar pours a wide range of draught beers and ales, alongside bottled options and simple cocktails, with attentive, friendly staff on the floor. The atmosphere ranges from calm daytime chatter to a buzzy, sociable vibe after work and at weekends. Food is pub-style and the menu includes plant-based choices, though occasional variability has been reported; the main draw is the social, easygoing atmosphere.
Plan your visit
Pop in after exploring the neighbourhood for people-watching and easy conversation, or head straight to the bar for a casual drink. Ideal for solo visitors and small groups, the space suits relaxed socialising rather than formal dining. Combine a visit with nearby attractions and an evening stroll through the area to soak up local character.
Barnabys
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Warm welcome, refined flavours and a stylish spot to relax in London.
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What to expect
A modern, comfortable interior designed for relaxed dining, with a lively bar area and quieter dining nooks. Staff are consistently praised for attentive, personalised service, with team members often going the extra mile to suggest pairings and accommodate dietary requests. The atmosphere balances casual warmth with a touch of refinement, so the venue works well for solo meals, morning meets, or small celebrations.
Plan your visit
Book ahead to secure preferred seating, especially at busier times. The venue is convenient for public transport connections, making it easy to combine a visit with nearby cafés and shops. Solo diners will find the bar and smaller tables welcoming, and staff are happy to offer recommendations on arrival.